December 17, 2023
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Reading along with us in our Advent readings from “The Life of Jesus”? Here’s today’s reading:
Day 17 in the Book: “The Life of Jesus“
The Year of Popularity
Read Sections 3.29 through 3.32 (pages 48-49)
This book is an account of Jesus’ life and teachings told through in chronological order from the four Gospels to create one continuous story.
*If you do not have a copy of the book please contact the church at (401)667-0775 and we can get you a copy.
Advent Day 17
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
I was worried about things and then I thought I had stopped.
I was thinking about something the other day, and I heard a voice in my head say, “you are still worried.”
The Lord had brought these verses to mind back then, and I think the statement to me recently was His way of saying, “go review those verses I gave you.”
And here they are.
These are commands and reasons to assist in obedience.
Such practical advice Jesus gives in this passage, not unlike others as well. But how important to address worry that many deal with in varying degrees and tell them it is not really necessary. God is willing and able to take care of you. That ability is found throughout creation. The question is are we willing to believe. Our best efforts should be in seeking God’s kingdom first and looking to do His will rather than wasting time and energy worrying. God is able to add everything that is good and necessary to us, but He can only be sure that that will lead to good things if we are seeking His kingdom first. Next Jesus warns against judging others which is another game changer in how many tend to function. We look at people to help them, not to put them down or think ourselves better than them. The person we should most judge and correct is ourselves, making sure we are doing and perceiving things right before going to someone else to correct them. And yet we do have to be aware of people’s motives and ultimate direction and if they are bent on evil and don’t care about the truth, there is a place to not waste our time.
And what a great offer God makes for us to keep coming to Him and asking for things. And what a great description of His heart to know if we can think of a good thing to do for someone, God is always better, kinder, more loving and gracious than we can ever be. We just need to remember that His kingdom and will come first. And one wonders how much our expectations for success in the gospel should be guided by the reality that the way of salvation is a narrow one and few find it. And wide is the way that leads to destruction and many go that way. God still wants everyone to be saved. The reality though is that many won’t be.
Day 17 during the storm. Tonight I am writing this while Mel is doing Christmas cards. I was reflecting on how we are like power cords just as Pastor said Sunday. How we have no power without being plugged into the power source which is Christ. It is very dark out here except for a couple of neighbors with generators. No moon or stars only darkness. Mel and I were using only flashlights. NO LIGHT. When will we ever get it. God cares for us as His little children and will gladly hear and answer us when we cry out in need. Mel and I pray for safety on our property every time we have a storm for we have a lot of dead trees standing and some near the house and garage. But God always hears our prayers for when trees have fallen they have missed the house, garage, or vehicles. God hears and loves us. We can`t do anything about the trees right now but He does. Thank God for His many blessings even to come to Him and be saved and going on the narrow road. May God bless us all.
Advent 2023 – Day 17
Don’t worry….just ask!
Worry can be crippling and it’s funny how often we say we are giving things to God but let the worry linger. Trusting God means truly surrendering those things and as Jesus mentions later asking Him for what we need and many times it’s asking Him for the strength to trust in the midst of the storm.
Wow, there is so much here. Don’t worry about anything, God has our backs. He will provide for us like a good father provides for his son. Worry does absolutely nothing to solve the problem. When we worry, turn it into prayer, and then action. Then we are doing all we can to solve the problem. Do not judge others, it is not our job to do so, shut down that thinking as soon as it surfaces . Do for others what you would want them to do for you. This is a good test of whether or not we are doing to people what God asks of us. And, unfortunately, the wide road is the one most traveled and it leads to the gates of Hell. Don’t ask me to join you on that road, I’ll deal with the hardships on the narrow one that leads to light and eternal life with my heavenly Father : )
Amen, Shelly!